Teddy Has Cushing's, Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Vestibular Disease, And Who Knows What Else. We Were Dealing With It All, But Now The Eyes Have Started Darting. What Can I Do?

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Anonymous answered
It is so hard to watch an older pet deteriorate.  If you and your veterinarian are doing all you can to make Teddy comfortable and he is not happy then it may be time to start thinking about letting him go.  In dogs it is about quality of life.  What are the things Teddy likes to do?  For many dogs eating, going for walks, playing with toys, sitting with you, or even lifting their head when you walk into a room are ways to assess quality of life.  When dogs are not able to do these things--the things that make their life enjoyable then it is time to consider euthanasia.  Part of your veterinarian's job is to help you decide when the right time is for euthanasia--when you have exhausted all medical means to keep Teddy comfortable and happy.  Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns.  Euthanasia can be a last gift we give to our dear friends--it ends their suffering and allows then to pass on with dignity.
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Well, it's been all day and finally the eyes have slowed down. Since he is calmer now, he took his medicine, ate some of his dinner and some snacks. He also drank water and asked to go outside--by trying to get up as he's done for months now. I took him outside, he balanced with help and relieved himself. I truly understand what you're saying. I told my vet that my stopping point would be when he stopped eating. He hasn't done that yet. And yes, aside from while the nystagus(sp?) is bothering him, he does lift his head when I walk in the room. He also plays the blow in the face game. Would you consider that some some quality of life? Its hard. But, I don't want him to suffer. Honestly, this morning, I thought he was and was close to saying good bye to my friend. Right now, I'm feeling a little better because he is. Thank you for your answer.
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Anonymous answered
Hi - it is so hard when our best friends get old.  I have a 15 year old Belgian Tervuren and I started giving him Rimadyl.  Within a week of the first dose he began showing signs of Vestibular.  After repeated episodes of vestibular over the course of a month, I took him off the Rimadyl, and he has not had an episode since.  It's been about 2 months now.  Also, about 2 years ago I had a 13 year old husky that had cancer.  I had given her Rimadyl as well for pain, and she immediately developed vestibular.  Unfortunately, I didn't make the connection to Rimadyl at that time.  She couldn't walk and had the darting eyes as well.  We sent her on her way to Rainbow Bridge, and I wish I would have made the connection between the Vestibular and the Rimadyl at least to experiment and take her off of it like I thought to with my Belgian.  I think you are doing the right thing to let your decision rest on your dogs appetite.  To me, if he wants to eat, he wants to live.    Also, I have another senior Eskimo that has a severe case of cushings.  They have a new med out called Trylosane (sp?) that is about $51 a month with minimal side affects.  Good luck, and you'll know when its time.

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